Coast Guard Auxiliary readying for summer

A lake area U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is gearing up for the summer boating season offering training, performing safety checks and examinations.

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The Lake News Online

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Posted Apr. 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Posted Apr. 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM

Lake of the Ozarks

A lake area U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is gearing up for the summer boating season offering training, performing safety checks and examinations.

Flotilla 30-05 has been training and getting ready for the 2013 season.

According to Flotilla Commander Mike Falter in February a training class was started for potential new boat crew members.

It is an independent study course in which each person is assigned a mentor. They have classroom and on-the-water sessions to ensure that they understand and can perform the many tasks which are included in this course. Upon completion of the requirements, they must perform selected operations with a Qualification Examiner (QE).

“They are required to perform significant tasks which include side and stern tows, search and rescue, radio communications, tying knots and many others,” said Carroll Vogel, Division 30 QE.

Once a member completes Boat Crew certification, they must re-qualify every three years.

When their certification is complete, they will join the Operations team assisting with on-the-water activities such as setting up safety perimeters for events such as the Shoot Out race, fireworks displays, and safety patrols.

The flotilla will be offering ABS class meets the boating safety education on April 27 at the Camden County Library in Camdenton. The class meets the requirement to apply for the “Boating Safety Identification Card” issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The card and a photo ID is required for individuals born after January 1, 1984 who operate any vessel in the state of Missouri. For additional information please go to www.cga30-05.com.

The flotilla will be performing vessel safety examinations (VE’s) starting this month. The examinations are free and are done at several locations around the Lake. Each year the auxiliary performs hundreds of safety exams. You can schedule a VE at your dock, your local marina, or at a public ramp by going to www.cga30-05.com.

The auxiliary also provides presentations for local organizations concerning boating safety and information about the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Contact Linda Vogel, Public Affairs Officer.

If you have any questions, would like to schedule a class or get more information about the auxiliary, please go to www.cga30-05.com or contact one of the following individuals: